WaterAid Madagascar participates in National Nutrition Day

Water, sanitation and hygiene plays a fundamental role in improving nutritional outcomes.

WaterAid Madagascar participated in the National Nutrition Day held in Morondava on 20-21 June. The day raised awareness about the improtance of nurtition in improving people everyday lives.

47.3% of Malagasy children are subject to malnutrition, 18% of them in the worst condition. Becasue of this their physical and mental development is affected, and this therefore leads to poor performance in school, and sicknesses across the country.

What are the links between under-nutrition and WASH?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 50% of malnutrition is associated with repeated diarrhoea or intestinal worm infections as a result of unsafe water, inadequate sanitation or insufficient hygiene.

A lack of sufficient, safe water close to home has many indirect effects on nutrition. People are often left with no choice but to drink unsafe water from unprotected sources. Where safe water is available to purchase from vendors, a limited quantity leaves little for good hygiene practices. The time wasted collecting water or suffering from water-related illnesses prevents young people from getting an education, which has a significant impact on their health,
wellbeing and economic status.

Reaching everyone everywhere by 2030

During the celebration on 21 June, Aurel Rabehanta, WaterAid Madagascar Communications Officer, called for higher investments in WASH for better nutrition for children and mothers. Aurel said: "This is not a dream. Let’s contribute to everyone’s access to WASH services everywhere by 2030.”

Before, I used to be thirsty all day. Now I can drink water whenever I need to and my concentration in class is much better.